Come talk to me about recovery from back pain

[10kstepsaroundthegardenthen]

I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself today and would like some good new stories please.

Middle of last year I started having lower back ache and sciatic pain. I tried a couple of weeks strengthening exercises for back and then I self referred to physio and have been doing the same exercises they set me quite religiously.
Things don't seem to be improving, the GP has said he can't help as I'm on the right pathway and he would have to wait for the physio to discharge or refer on.

Tell me your goodness recover stories.
Anyone done the exercises and 'fixed' themselves? How long did it take?

Sorry to hear you're suffering, back pain is the pits.

Yoga has sorted my back pain out. Nothing too strenuous, but even 10 mins a day makes a difference.

The cause of my back pain was mainly from a sedentary office job and bad posture. I don't want to give you bad advice if you have an injury or a different cause of pain.

My physio also trained me to take more notice of my body and stop the moment my back felt under strain. So if I'm vacuuming and feel a twinge, I'll stop immediately and not finish the job.

I hope you find a solution that works for you.

I had awful back pain with spasms 2 years ago, which made walking anywhere painful and awkward as I'd suddenly look like I was being tasered! I tried all sorts of exercises with no real effect, but what completely sorted it was going to a chiropractor.

I was really sceptical when I went and thought it was just fancy massage, but honestly it's life changing. They are total experts and can tell where the problem is and what's causing it. You might need a few sessions as issues tend to recur, but I had an immediate improvement. Unfortunately it's pretty pricey - I've spent quite a lot over 2 years, but would say it was absolutely worth it if you can possibly afford it. (Not sure if it would be available on the NHS?)

In the meantime you could try an ice pack on the bit where the pain is (wrapped in a towel, and not for more than 10 minutes at a time.) My instinct was to apply heat, but the chiropractor explained that ice reduces inflammation and would be more effective.

Hope you can sort it, it's so miserable.

For me it was steriod injection, then Pilates was game changer! Very gentle to begin with, but eventually build up core and stretch and strengthen back and surrounding muscles. Amazing for pain and posture
Also regular osteopath/chiropractor appointments like an MOT for your back...
Keeping mobile
Good luck

Book an appointment with an osteopath. Mine has been a life saver.

Another vote for the chiropractor here! I've been seeing mine weekly for 4 months and can finally work my shifts without having to take painkillers, previously was taking them everytime I went to work. I was also a bit sceptical to start with, but it really has done the job.

Thanks all.

I'll have a look at the options in my area

I had years of back and leg pain and saw umpteen specialists, chiropractors, osteopaths and physios.

Eventually I saw a different physio who spent half an hour observing me move - bending stretching, arms raised etc. He knew my history and said I presume you already know you have one leg longer than the other?
I didn't. How could I get to 45 years old and not know that? It's possible it altered in pregnancy when bones soften or I may always have had it.
Anyway an insert in one shoe to compensate solved it. It took many months but the only time it comes back is when I walk about without shoes for more than the odd occasion. I have to wear shoes at all times all year round.

I make sure I wear shoes or slippers with insoles all the time.

I think mine is because I never regained my core strength after a hysterectomy, then during covid I had to do more moving and handling